Bipolar Disorder

Also known as manic- depressive illness, it is a brain disorder that causes mood swings, shifts in mood, activity levels, and being able to carry on with day to day tasks.

About 5.5 million Americans age 18 or older, or 2.6 percent of the adult population suffer from Bipolar Disorder.

People with Bipolar Disorder have unusually intense emotional states that happen in distinct periods called "mood episodes" and each one has a drastic change in the person's mood and behavior. Extreme changes in sleep, activity, energy, and behavior go along with these symptoms.

Treatments for Bipolar Disorder are mood stabilizers, antipsychotics, antidepressants, antidepressant-antipsychotics, and anti- anxiety medications. Psychotherapy has a wide range of therapy options. And finally, support of family, teachers, and friends.

People can get help by going to the doctor and communicating this with your family.

Resources to help you gain knowledge about this is would be the Bipolar Disorder Online Community and Bipolar Disorder Organizations.